Palace on Wheels: Route, Tariff, Booking and Itinerary (2026 – 27)
The Palace on Wheels is India’s most famous luxury tourist train, offering a royal, fairytale journey through the imperial cities of Rajasthan. Modelled on the private saloons once used by the maharajas, it recreates the grandeur of the Rajputana era with beautifully appointed cabins, on-board dining, a bar and lounge, and guided excursions. This guide covers the route, the current tariff, what is included, booking and cancellation rules, and the full 7-night itinerary.
Good to know: The Palace on Wheels runs a 7 nights and 8 days circuit, operating only in the cooler months from October to April. There are no departures from May to August.
About the Palace on Wheels
Introduced in 1982, the Palace on Wheels was India’s first luxury tourist train. It was created jointly by Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism to showcase the heritage of the state, and it has long been ranked among the finest luxury train journeys in the world. The train carries an ambience of royalty, and each coach is styled to reflect the former princely states of Rajasthan.
Facilities On Board
The train has fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, each with twin-bedded chambers, and offers:
- Attached toilets with running hot and cold water and shower.
- Intercom telephone, music and wall-to-wall carpeting in cabins.
- Two on-board restaurants serving Indian, Continental and Rajasthani cuisine.
- A bar and lounge, library, and indoor games.
- Medical aid, shopping, and personalised attendant (khidmatgar) service.
- Modern amenities including Wi-Fi and charging points on the upgraded rakes.
Palace on Wheels Tariff (2026-27)
The tariff is charged per person per night and varies by season and occupancy. There are two seasons: Peak (October to March) and Lean (September and April). Indian nationals (with valid Indian ID such as passport, Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN or OCI) are charged in INR, and foreign passport holders in USD.
| Occupancy | Indian Nationals (INR, per person per night) | Foreign Passport (USD, per person per night) |
|---|---|---|
| Double | Around INR 70,800 to 83,936 | Around USD 864 to 976 |
| Single | Around INR 1,08,900 to 1,29,086 | Around USD 1,328 to 1,501 |
| Super Deluxe / Presidential Suite | From about INR 2.87 lakh per cabin (peak) | Around USD 3,223 to 3,510 per cabin |
Important: These are indicative 2026-27 figures and the tariff is revised each season and changes with the exchange rate. GST is charged extra, and a 10% surcharge applies to Christmas and New Year departures. Always confirm the current fare and departure dates on the official Rajasthan Tourism Palace on Wheels website before booking.
Children and Extra Charges
- Children below 5 years: complimentary, sharing the same cabin (no extra bed).
- Children 5 to 12 years: charged at 50% of the adult tariff, sharing with an adult.
- A cabin has a standard occupancy of 2 adults.
What the Fare Includes
Included: travel, accommodation, all meals, conducted sightseeing, entrance fees at monuments, parks and palaces, cultural programmes, a camel ride at Jaisalmer, a shared jeep safari at Ranthambhore, a boat ride at Udaipur, and a rickshaw ride at Bharatpur.
Not included: drinks and liquor, tips, laundry, telephone calls, video camera fees, and other items of a personal nature.
Route and 7-Night Itinerary
The journey begins and ends in Delhi and covers the highlights of Rajasthan plus Agra. The classic itinerary is:
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Delhi (departure) | Boarding and welcome on board |
| Day 2 | Jaipur | Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal |
| Day 3 | Sawai Madhopur and Chittorgarh | Ranthambhore safari, Chittorgarh Fort |
| Day 4 | Udaipur | Lake Pichola boat ride, City Palace |
| Day 5 | Jaisalmer | Golden Fort, Sam sand dunes camel ride |
| Day 6 | Jodhpur | Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada |
| Day 7 | Bharatpur and Agra | Keoladeo bird sanctuary, the Taj Mahal |
| Day 8 | Delhi (arrival) | Disembark after breakfast |
Exact station timings and the running order can vary by departure, so confirm the current schedule at the time of booking.
Booking Policy
- For bookings made well in advance, a deposit is taken at confirmation, with the balance due before departure.
- For bookings made within 60 days of departure, 100% of the ticket value is payable along with passenger and passport details.
- The tariff for Indian nationals applies only with valid Indian identity proof, otherwise the USD rate applies.
Cancellation Policy
| Cancellation notice | Deduction |
|---|---|
| 90 days or more before departure | 10% of ticket value |
| 89 to 30 days before departure | 20% of ticket value |
| 29 days or less before departure | 100% (no refund) |
No show: if the guest does not arrive, the full amount is forfeited with no refund or future adjustment. En route termination: if a guest leaves the tour midway, the unused portion is not refunded. Amendments are considered only in cases like a natural calamity or a serious health problem supported by a doctor’s certificate, subject to availability, and decided case by case. Cancellation must be advised in writing to the operator.
Similar Luxury Trains in India
If the Palace on Wheels dates or route do not suit you, India has other luxury trains worth considering, such as the Maharajas’ Express, the Deccan Odyssey and the Golden Chariot. See our full Luxury Trains in India guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Palace on Wheels cost?
For 2026-27, roughly INR 70,800 to 83,936 per person per night for Indian nationals on double occupancy, and around USD 864 to 976 for foreign passport holders, plus GST. Single occupancy and suites cost more. Confirm current rates on the official site.
How many days is the Palace on Wheels journey?
It is a 7 nights and 8 days tour, starting and ending in Delhi.
When does the Palace on Wheels run?
From October to April. There are no departures from May to August.
Which cities does it cover?
Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambhore), Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.
What is included in the fare?
Accommodation, all meals, sightseeing, monument entry fees, cultural programmes, and rides like the Jaisalmer camel ride and Udaipur boat ride. Liquor, tips and personal expenses are extra.
How do I book the Palace on Wheels?
Book through the official Rajasthan Tourism Palace on Wheels website or an authorised operator, with full payment due within 60 days of departure.
Quick Summary
| Train | Palace on Wheels (since 1982) |
| Duration | 7 nights, 8 days |
| Season | October to April (no May to August departures) |
| Route | Delhi and Rajasthan cities plus Agra |
| Tariff (double, Indian) | About INR 70,800 to 83,936 per night |
| Operated by | Rajasthan Tourism with Indian Railways |
The Palace on Wheels remains one of the most memorable ways to experience Rajasthan, blending royal comfort with the great forts, palaces and deserts of the region. Plan for the October to April season, confirm the current tariff, and book early for peak dates. For more, see our Luxury Trains in India guide and tourist ticket information.
Dreaming of a Palace on Wheels journey? Ask your questions in the comments and we will help you plan.